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Â黨´«Ã½â€™s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems continues to expand its growing focus on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies with the addition of two dynamic new faculty members. Hyunkyung Lee, PhD, brings deep insight into online user behavior, digital strategy, and the economics of information systems, while Sara Falcone, PhD, bridges computer science, robotics, and cognitive science with research on embodiment and immersive systems. Together, our newest experts represent the breadth of Seidenberg’s interdisciplinary approach to technology and Â黨´«Ã½â€™s commitment to preparing students for a rapidly evolving digital future.

We caught up with Professors Lee and Falcone to learn more about their backgrounds, research, and what excites them most about joining the Â黨´«Ã½ community.

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Q: What brought you to Â黨´«Ã½â€”and what’s your background in computer science?

Hyunkyung Lee:

I’m joining Â黨´«Ã½ from Emory University, where I completed my PhD in Information Systems. I was drawn to Â黨´«Ã½ especially by the welcoming community, in addition to the exceptional faculty and nice environment. My expertise includes Economics of Information Systems, Ad-blocking Technologies, Online User Behavior, and Digital Strategy. My methodological approach is characterized by the rigorous application of empirical methods—econometrics, survival analysis, experimental design—and I also incorporate machine learning paradigms when appropriate.

Sara Falcone:

I’m originally from Napoli, Italy (the city of pizza!). I have a multidisciplinary background in computer science, robotics, and cognitive science with a focus on human–computer and human–robot interactions. Before joining Â黨´«Ã½, I was a Visiting Assistant Professor at Vassar College, where I taught and led research on human-centered robotics and immersive technologies. I was drawn to Seidenberg for its applied, interdisciplinary culture and strong ties to New York City’s tech scene—an ideal setting for my work on telepresence, haptics, and wearable/VR interfaces.

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Q: How would you describe your research?

Lee:

My primary research objective is to deepen our understanding of online user behaviors and the strategic challenges companies encounter in adapting to emerging technologies, with the goal of improving the online user experience. Broadly, I aim to develop a rigorous and integrated understanding of how new technologies impact firm strategy and user experience.

Falcone:

My expertise sits at the intersection of human-centered robotics, teleoperation, and immersive systems (VR/AR). I study how people experience control, agency, and embodiment when interacting with remote or augmented systems, and how that experience impacts performance and learning. Methodologically, my work blends user-centered design with experimental evaluation, using tools like motion capture, haptic gloves, and exoskeletons.

I was drawn to Seidenberg for its applied, interdisciplinary culture and strong ties to New York City’s tech scene

Q: What are you currently working on that you're excited about?

Lee:

My current research has been inspired by the intricate dynamics of ad-blocking technologies within the digital advertising ecosystem. I explore why people adopt ad blockers and what that means for different stakeholders, from consumers to advertisers and platforms.

Falcone:

I’m very enthusiastic about all my research! One project I’m especially excited about is on kinesthetic learning with wearables: we’re piloting studies that pair motion-capture suits with haptic gloves and exoskeletons to test how physical cues in VR can speed up skill acquisition. We're measuring both embodiment (like agency and cross-modal congruency) and real task performance. I’m also active in international research communities: this fall I’ll be speaking at major conferences in and , where I’ll be presenting work on how humans experience embodiment in teleoperation and a new framework for human–technology interaction in the future workplace. I also recently co-organized the in the Netherlands, where I helped lead special sessions connecting academia and industry.

Q: What courses are you teaching this year?

Lee:

I’m teaching cybersecurity courses, including CYB 201 (Intro to Cybersecurity for undergraduates), CIT 251 (Computer Security Overview), and CYB 611 (Intro to Cybersecurity for graduate students). These courses provide an overview of information assurance, covering topics in computer, information, and network security.

Falcone:

I’m teaching CS 242 (Algorithms and Computing Theory) for undergraduates, and CS 632Q (Introduction to Natural Language Processing) for graduate students.

I was drawn to Â黨´«Ã½ especially by the welcoming community, in addition to the exceptional faculty and nice environment

New Experts, New Opportunities

With backgrounds that span economics, robotics, and immersive technologies, Professors Lee and Falcone are advancing research that is both timely and globally relevant. Their arrival strengthens Â黨´«Ã½â€™s position at the forefront of AI, cybersecurity, robotics, and immersive technologies, and provides our students with direct access to scholars whose work spans labs, classrooms, and international conferences. Welcome to the Â黨´«Ã½ community!